SO I THINK YOUR PHONE REBELLED AND ATTACKED YOU. WHICH MEANS I'M NOT ABLE TO TELL YOU THAT I POSTED. BUT I TOTALLY POSTED. I SWEAR.

Ghost had been dreading this day for a long time now. The more clouds that appeared in the sky, the more anxious she became. But come they did – dark and ominous, they gathered to blot out the sun and made the morning feel more like night in the forest. Dahmer had warned her about today – as a cave dweller, Ghost didn't know the first thing when it came to weather, let alone predicting it. And as it promised to be a nasty one, the last couple of days had been spent worrying and attempting to prepare. There wasn't a whole lot for her to do, though. Dahmer spent a great deal of time storm proofing the home he had made for her. Which just left the female more time to worry. She knew she'd be able to survive the storm without harm – that wasn't the issue. As strong as Dahmer had made her cabin, it didn't compare to the safety of the cave Zane had helped her find for her den. And if things got bad enough outside, she knew that was where she'd have to hide out. She couldn't bear the thought of going back into the darkness, no matter how crucial it was. She had come a long way within the last month or so, but she was far from cured.

The sky rumbled and Ghost cast a worried look outside. She was situated on her bed, which was a mix of blankets and leaves that Dahmer helped her gather. From where she lay on the floor, the pale wolf was able to watch the storm brewing outside her window. In a desperate attempt to remain distracted until Dahmer arrived to keep her company, Ghost reflected on all that had happened to her since she made her escape. Thanks to the help from the cast of characters that came into her life, the female was a few steps further in her recovery. She still had a ways to go, but now Ghost was able to make it through a day without panicking over thoughts of Jasper Valley. She thought about her mother often and it still hurt, but not as much as it once did. Best of all was that fact that she was no longer forced to internalize her problems – there were others who would always be willing to lend an ear should she wish it. And that was what made all the difference: Ghost wasn't doing this alone anymore. She had help.

It was difficult to determine which wolf was having more of a positive impact on her life right now, but it was certain that both Dahmer and Zane were making Ghost's life infinitely better. Stumbling across Zane had been a terrifying and enlightening occurrence. And as traumatizing as learning about Jahre's betrayals had been, the young wolf was better for knowing. Zane had been amazing, too. She knew that she appeared crazy at first, but Zane hadn't mocked her or run off. He comforted her in just the right way. He didn't judge either, instead took the time to talk her through it all. And when that was all finished with, the male helped her take the next important steps in her life. Thanks to Zane Tialys, Ghost had a home and a name. She had an identity. She was still far from completely healed, but thanks to Zane she was getting there – he was making sure of it. And she would never forget that.

There was another new character in her life – and this one more unexpected than Zane. While it was understandable that she'd come across the presence of others, it seemed almost impossible that she'd meet another wolf from the same area she was born. Dahmer and his partner Sherlock had left Jasper Valley a few months before she made her escape. When she came across the massive male, the two became closer over a short amount of time, getting to know each other over the next little while. Eventually Ghost felt comfortable enough to tell her friend about her past. With Zane, she had blurted everything out right then and there. When it came to that brown-hued wolf, Ghost found herself able to talk about anything. He had that sort of quality about him. And while Dahmer was certainly a willing listener, the female had practiced more discretion when it came to discussing her past. She didn't know much about Jasper Valley – its history or anything about the war, just its name. Dahmer was able to fill in the rest thanks to his extensive knowledge and experience with the valley's history. As a result, Ghost's feelings about Jahre became even more complicated and confusing. As badly as her mother had treated Ghost, it seemed as though she really had been trying to keep her daughter safe. She just could have gone about it in a multitude of better ways. It still hurt and sucked to think about, but at least Ghost understood her decisions a little better.

If Ghost was deprived of affection and care early on in her life, she was certainly making up for it now. Between Zane and Dahmer's visits, the young female was rarely alone. She had felt happier – Ghost was able to go to sleep at night with a smile on her lips, thinking of happy things before she dozed off. She had grown up with no one to talk to, to care for her. And now these two wolves were always there to help out. They spent time with her, taught her things and just stuck around. Between the two of them, Ghost had yet to have a day go by without seeing one or the other. It made all the difference. She had always assumed that she'd spend her life alone. It was astounding.

For a short while though, the attentions from those two caused a bit of a dilemma for the female. She admired both of them intensely – looking forward to their company, taking great delight in spending time with them. Zane was unfailingly kind – he was always looking out for the her, helping in any way he could. He listened patiently to any concern she might have and always took it seriously, whether it was trivial or not. He'd take everything she said into deep consideration and think it through carefully before offering up any ideas he might have. If any solution required further action, he'd always be the one offering to do it. And it wasn't just his kindness she loved – it was the air about him. Zane's happy and calming personality gave him an aura of warmth and Ghost couldn't help but instantly feel comfortable and at home whenever she was around him. She'd never felt that before – not with Jahre and certainly not in her old, pathetic cave. But the more Ghost grew to know Zane, the more she craved his company. She was soon positive that he could make anywhere feel like home, just by virtue of being with him. Zane could make her old cave feel like a haven, as long as he was there with her. If the female was more knowledgeable about emotional attachments, she would probably be worried about how quickly she came to need Zane. She had been an emotional anorexic all her life, and now that she was comfortable and capable of feeling for others, the wolf had transferred her love and need from Jahre to Zane. A romantic element added another layer of complication, as well. She knew nothing of such things though, so Ghost merely saw Zane as her knight in shining armour. He had rescued her, and she would do anything for him.

Dahmer was another story. And if it wasn't for Sherlock, things could have gotten very complicated indeed. The massive male was just as helpful and kind as Zane was. He too was willing to help out in any way he could with any problem, and often did. He was also able to remind Ghost of her home in a way that wasn't entirely painful: Dahmer represented the life Ghost could have had, if only things were different. He would spend hours telling her stories about Jasper Valley's history, stories about the great Freak Oriel and other esteemed members. She loved hearing about Lillith and Altair – how they met and grew to love each other. Dahmer was a great story teller and he was patient, too. He'd answer any questions she could come up with, offering tidbits here and there and injecting humour into the perfect spots. She loved to listen to his voice, the way he would describes things that she'd never experienced before. Her admiration for the male would have gone further than that of friendship, if not for Sherlock Holmes.

Ghost didn't know the black female all that much – and to be honest, she was a little bit terrified of her. As far as the young wolf could see, Sherlock was everything Dahmer was not. Cold and calculating, Dahmer's partner had no time or need for any of Ghost's issues. They had only talked on a few occasions, and Ghost was grateful they had always been short interactions. She wasn't unkind, exactly...just supremely disinterested. She reminded Ghost of Jahre, with her abrupt and abrasive personality. It was definitely a marked difference compared to Dahmer and Zane. But Dahmer spoke of his friend as though she was the kindest, greatest wolf to ever live. Almost every story he told involved her. Whenever he talked about her, a certain look would cross his face. It was a mixture of awe, love and sadness. A little bit of anger, too – although she couldn't guess what that was about. Ghost hadn't been able to bring herself to ask Dahmer about it directly. She just knew that he loved her in a desperate way that would last forever...whether he wanted it to or not. And knowing this prevented her own feelings from growing much stronger in that direction. He was her friend, one of her very first. And that was something she was intensely grateful of.

As the rain began to fall heavily, the drops pounding against her roof, Ghost was able to contemplate just how grateful she was for him. He had promised to drop by during the storm and keep her company. If things got bad enough, he had even agreed to help her spend the time in her cave. As horrified as Ghost was with the idea of spending any time in there, knowing that she'd have someone to distract her was comforting. She whimpered softly as lightning lit up the sky, flashing through the windows. The wind was growing stronger as the rain continued to pour, but Ghost refused to go to ground. She shuffled anxiously on her bed, resting her head on her paws. She began to shake, desperately hoping that Dahmer was on his way. For the next little while, the pattern set itself in this way. Between soft whimpers and shakes, Ghost lay there as her gaze alternated between the window and the door. The storm grew steadily worse, and Ghost fought to keep herself as calm as she could. She distracted herself by thinking of everything that had happened to her since she left Jasper Valley. Mostly though, she counted down the time between now and whenever Dahmer would arrive. He was coming, she knew it. He had promised and if Ghost had learned anything these past weeks, it was that she could trust her newfound friends.

Things had changed a lot in the past month or so for Zane Tialys, and it all came down to when he had met the incredibly malnourished white female who he had given the name ‘Jane,’ who had been calling herself ‘Ghost’. She had literally crashed into his life (which was his fault, as he had failed to see her as he had been taking a run one day) and from that first instance he had found himself drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He felt like they were similar in the way that they both had had neglectful parents and were more or less left to fend for themselves. Zane knew that comparably, Ghost had it off much worse, having been stuck in a cave for the first two years of her life, completely alone save for the random visits by her mother; at least Zane had the company of Arya.

There was just something about Ghost that reminded Zane of his younger sister, and it just wanted to make him look after her. It wasn’t that he felt pity for the young wolf (and he did, but in such a way that it wasn’t condescending) but he just desperately felt that he could offer her the help she needed; and if he could maybe redeem himself for his huge failure with Arya, then that was just a bonus. So because he had found Ghost, Zane had found purpose in his life again.

Since he had crashed into her, Zane had seen her nearly every day. One of the first things he had done with her was help Ghost find a suitable den that he desperately hoped would give her a sense of comfort and not remind her terribly of the cave she had just escaped from. He had chosen it because it offered her shelter from the basic elements when she needed it but during the day time offered just the right amount of light in to offer a sense of comfort. Zane knew that it would serve her wonderfully during all sorts of weather, he found he still worried about her at night.

He was grateful for Dahmer showing up to help Ghost build a cabin for her to live in shortly afterwards; it would help her become more comfortable in her own skin while not having to worry about being stuck in a cave that would slow down her improvements – had he had the skills and ability to build, Zane would have built something similar for Ghost, however he still felt it was important for his friend to have a den in case she needed to escape into it.

It was on days like today that Zane had comfort that Ghost had the den close by, as the wind blew viciously through his fur as he made his way to his friend’s den. The dark clouds had blown in swiftly and looked to hold the promise of a vicious storm. Zane had watched them move in with an ever growing amount of concern for his friend. The large male figured Ghost would be spending the majority of it in her cabin, but Zane had a suspicion that she would need to seek shelter somewhere that held a bit more protection from the weather. He was mere minutes away from Ghost’s cabin and den when he was startled by a large crash of thunder that he felt deep within his ribcage that made Zane quicken his pace, worrying about how Ghost was handling the storm- he wasn’t terrified of storms and even he found himself unsettled by the one that was happening now.

If it was even possible, the wind was picking up and the rain was falling down even harder as the small cabin finally came into view, and almost not a minute too soon. Zane was soaked to the bone from his short travel but he found his apprehension decrease the moment he reached the door, scratching at the door before jumping on the door knob to open it, calling out loudly Jane? Jane, you in here? I’m just coming in to check on you. As he entered the cabin, he hoped she didn’t mind his blunt intrusion.

It was becoming more and more apparent to Ghost that just waiting for the storm to pass was not the best option. She was well aware of how dangerous things were becoming – the unrelenting rain continued to ratchet up her fear, but it still wasn't bad enough to eclipse her worry of the den below her. With the way she felt, the storm would have to rip her cabin off its foundation before Ghost completely panicked and gave in to sensibility. As it stood the walls were only shaking, and didn't appear to be too close to collapsing on her. It was bad, but still hadn't become a disaster entirely, yet. But as the female lay cowering in her bed, she had to admit there was still time for things to get a hell of a lot worse. So where was Dahmer? She knew that her friend wouldn't intentionally cause so much worry – he was probably checking up on Sherlock or performing a last minute check of his own home before he came to her rescue. But every second was beginning to feel like an eternity; leaving Ghost to wonder just how she had managed to go so long without any help back in Jasper Valley. Had the time between Jahre's infrequent visits passed just as slowly? She knew that her perspective certainly changed how things seemed – back then she was tucked safely in her den because it was the only safe place for her to be. Now she was terrified of retreating into that blackness, hoping to avoid it at any cost.

She both hated and missed that warped sense of security her old 'home' had given her. It didn't matter how different this den was from her old one – the original had been found by a mostly disinterested mother seeking a way to shirk her responsibilities while avoiding guilt. It had been a place to dump the unwanted, fabricated and padded by lies and false promises. This new one had been discovered as the result of genuine concern, with the intention of keeping her safe during dangerous times. It was fortified by the good will of new friends, and promises that actually had substance behind them. She desperately wished that she could see it that way, but in the end it was still a hole in the ground – a source for all her terrible memories. The longer she tried to ignore it, the bigger and more desperate her situation seemed to become. If Dahmer was here, maybe giving in and crawling into there would be a little easier. But there was no sign of her giant friend, and the storm grew steadily worse.

The day continued to pass in this manner and as the sky grew darker and even more bleak, so did the female's thoughts. It no longer seemed as though Dahmer was coming – maybe the weather was bad enough that it was keeping him inside. She couldn't fault him for that – as much as she was relying on his presence to help her get through the day, Ghost's desperation hadn't made her thoughtless. She'd never expect him to risk his life to help her. So she'd just have to ride this thing out on her own. The female glanced at the entrance to the deep den and acknowledged the piercing stab of fear that tore at her insides – seeking further shelter just wasn't an option. Not yet, anyway. She wasn't desperate enough to overcome her fears. So could she weather the storm up here, away from the darkness? Maybe if she just managed to stay put for the time being, Dahmer would either show up, or the storm itself would force her into a decision. She was good at waiting, wasn't she? That's what she had been doing for the majority of her life, wasn't it? Ghost didn't have to spring into action until she was forced to. Things would be okay. She just needed to take it a step at a time. And right now, the best step was no step at all: she needed to stay put.

A deafening peal of thunder ripped through the air, and Ghost gave a shout of fear. She scrabbled backwards, her paws slipping on the blankets as she braced herself against the cabin wall. The windows rattled dangerously in their frames, and the wolf glanced frantically at the entrance to her den. Was she desperate enough? No, no no no. Not yet. She couldn't make herself go in there again, she couldn't let the darkness eat her up. Ghost sat there in her bed, her ears flat against her skull as she cowered. She didn't know which was worse – the storm crashing against her home, or the horrifying thoughts that struggled to intrude her head and infect her with horror. She didn't know what to do – there wasn't anything she could do! She sunk further to the floor and finally succumbed to the fear that fought to fully paralyze her. Suddenly, a sound separate from the crashing of the storm broke through and caught her attention. Someone was knocking at her door! Still too frozen to be able to move, the female's pale eyes rolled toward the door and she wordlessly hoped that Dahmer wouldn't wait for her to answer it.

As though he was capable of reading her thoughts, the handle jiggled and turned before the door slowly swung open in order to admit her savior. As she lay there cowering, Ghost was surprised to see not Dahmer, but Zane. She registered her surprise in the same second her gratitude overrode it, and the female let out a relieved whimper. Someone was here to help her. It was going to be okay, Zane would save the day. She was still too afraid to properly greet her friend, but knew she was in good paws. It wouldn't take Zane long to understand what was going on. He stood in her doorway and the eyes that had been wrenched shut in fear opened slowly to see her hero. Her pale blue eyes shone for a few seconds as saw his large form, the first sense of calmness she'd felt all day stealing over her as she took in his concerned smile. This was a surprise – she hadn't mentioned anything of her fears to the golden eyed wolf, afraid of inconveniencing him. Dahmer had made the promise to keep her company long before the storm arrived and the female had seen no reason to trouble her other friend. She had assumed he had a million other things to do. And yet here he was, come to check on her despite the horrible weather. He was soaked to the bone, rain water dripping on the floor beneath his paws and still his only concern was for her. It was the kind of thoughtfulness that perfectly described the type of wolf Zane was. She wanted to thank him, but lacked the courage to speak. But while she remained silent, one look in his direction was all it took to convey her gratitude and admiration: it was all there in her eyes.

If Zane was here, it was all over. The storm could rage on for days, and she'd still be okay. He was capable of warming any place with just his presence. His calm nature exuding a warmth that wrapped itself around Ghost and bolstered her own courage. Maybe they wouldn't even have to retreat downstairs: he'd be able to keep her safe right up here! There was no need to move from where she was. Right? Only a few seconds had passed since Zane arrived, but a short time with his presence was all it took to change everything. The sound of the rain and wind seemed to melt away and retreat to the back of her mind and she felt herself relaxing slightly. He looked a little apologetic, as though there was a chance that she'd resent him for showing up out of the blue. But this was far from an intrusion: it was a rescue. Ghost struggled to sit upright, bracing herself up against the wall behind her. She managed a small, tremulous smile and it looked as though she was about to speak when a thunderous crash shook the cabin. She cried out fearfully, collapsing back on to the bed, her ears flat against her head. Any thoughts of greeting Zane or thanking him were entirely lost in her fear for what was now becoming the inevitable. It's getting really bad and I don't know what to do. I can't go down there. I can't go in the dark again. Her words were desperate and pleading, as though Zane could magically force the storm to go away. She just knew that he was here to help and she was terrified that if she had to be swallowed up by the darkness again, she wouldn't escape a second time.

It had been incredibly stupid of him to make his way over to Ghost’s cabin in order to check on her, but Zane found that he didn’t regret it one bit- he wouldn’t have been able to forgive himself had something happened to her while he stayed safe in his own den. While he knew that she was in what appeared to be a sturdy cabin (he had seen the progress of the construction while Dahmer had been building it), he knew that it had never stood up to this storm that was promising to be devastating. He wasn’t saying that Dahmer’s work was questionable – far from it, as he had seen what his craftsmanship could build – but it was impossible to predict what sort of weather a building could withstand. Most of all, Zane was worried about how his dear friend was handling this severe storm; the pelting rain, the howling wind, the crash and thunder constantly reverberating around them, it would cause worry in any wolf.

Dripping in the entrance of her cabin, Zane furiously shook his body to rid himself of the water clinging to his fur. From where he stood, he could see the absolute fear on his friend’s face, though there was a look of gratitude on it the moment their eyes met. The look on her face broke his heart and Zane knew instantly that he had made the right choice in coming to check on her. He had hoped that Dahmer would have checked on her earlier on, but judging from the weather outside it was easy to assume that he may have been delayed. Waiting for his fur to stop dripping, Zane offered her a reassuring smile as she slowly picked herself up off of her bed and looked about ready to say something when a crack of thunder sounded. The thunder shook the cabin, causing even the glass in the windows to shake and that caused even Zane to flinch a little. His heart sunk at the scared yelp that Ghost emitted and watched as she sunk right back down on her bed in absolute fear.

A small whine of sympathy escaped his throat and he moved quickly, immediately forgetting that he was still damp. He gently eased himself down beside Ghost, making a gentle shushing noise. He placed his muzzle right down next to hers, nudging the side of her nose with his own. Hey there, Jane. You’re fine, see? You’re not alone, I’m right here beside you. He paused a moment, his body side by side with Ghost as he breathed slowly, hoping she would be able to mimic his movements. Willing the storm to not crack above them for the next few moments, Zane let the two of them just lay there in silence, the only sound heard were sounds of their breathing, the rain pounding against the sides and roof of the cabin, and the wind shaking the glass ever so slightly. There were several cracks of thunder, but none nearly as bad as the one earlier.

Picking his head up, he glanced in the direction of the entrance to Ghost’s den, hating what he was about to suggest, but knowing it would be the safest option or the both of them. I know you don’t want to go down there, but Jane, it’s the safest place at the moment. I don’t like the looks of this storm, and we’d be much safer down there. But it’ll only be until the storm blows over, and then we’ll come right back out, okay? I’ll stay with you the whole time so you’re not alone; it won’t be like last time, I promise. He smiled encouragingly at her, What do you say, can you do that for me?

I'M NOT EVEN PROOFREADING THIS BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO DELAY ANY LONGER.

Storms hadn't ever really been an issue for Ghost back in Jasper Valley. The small ones were never loud enough to reach her deep within the confines of her cave, so they often passed without any notice on her part. The few storms that were heavy enough to be heard all the way from her nest never seemed all that threatening. Ghost would hear the deep rumbles and cracks along with the heavy whoosh of the falling rain – but it was as though everything was perceived through a sort of safety filter. Back then the darkness was a comforting caress that made foreign things seem less threatening – she could lose herself within it and not be afraid of it overcoming her. According to Jahre, the outside world was a horrifying and unforgiving place that wanted nothing more than to grab hold of her pale form and eat her up. It was scary and nasty and just too big to fathom in any capacity. But from her safe and embracing cave, she could think of it as much as she wanted and not get hurt. However, Ghost's darkness could only exist and maintain control for so long It thrived in the void for as long as it could before it was forced to yield to the light: Jahre's lies were finally challenged and exposed. Ghost ceased viewing the blackness as a friend and began to fear it. She broke free and stepped into the light, turning her back on everything she knew in order to escape her demons. Somewhere along the way, her safety net changed to represent what Ghost most feared. Her memories became tainted with the painful truth behind Jahre's dishonesty: her childhood darkness no longer offered an embrace – it had been a restraint. And now it tried to trap her whenever and wherever it could, hoping desperately that she'd fall into its trap once again.

As a result of her upbringing, Ghost was already prone to introspection: what else could she do with her time? She had figured she knew herself inside and out. Lately though, it seemed as though all of her previous assumptions and beliefs about her preferences would have to be reassessed. Everything was different now. That was the problem with inexperience – how could she claim to know her own likes and dislikes when it came to things she had never actually experienced before? She couldn't exactly have a favourite food when she ate the same scraps day after day, could she? The female definitely didn't hate the food she was given, but in her semi-starved state, Ghost would have gratefully consumed anything that was put in front of her. Slowly but surely, both Zane and Dahmer were expanding the female's list of foods she enjoyed. She was beginning to get a better grasp of what she liked and preferred over foods she could take or leave. But still, there was a long way to go – and so many things she still wasn't sure about.

Ghost could think of another great example of how much more there was to see or do in this new, ever-expanding world of hers: reading. If there was one single thing in the entire world that Ghost could actually admit to being grateful to Jahre for, it was teaching her how to read. True, Jahre probably taught Ghost specifically because it was a quiet way to pass the time without making a sound. If Jahre ever needed to shut Ghost up for any period of time, she'd show up with a new book. This happened once or twice every few months whenever the Shadowrunners needed to scout the area for enemies or perform field exercises. The young mother would take her daughter further into the recesses of her cave and order the stunted pup to shut up and stay put. Then she'd reveal a new book and leave Ghost there with an old oil lantern, happily nosing the book open with her maw. In the entirety of her stay, Ghost amassed five books: they were among her most prized possessions and she had made sure not to leave them behind during her escape. These books would always remain her favourite in a way – they had been a means of escape for the young pup. A way to leave her dreary existence, if only for a little while. She would be transported away and thrown into entirely new worlds. These stories were old and familiar, perfectly memorized as a result of constant perusal. Now she had access to an abundance of other tales, all new and full of surprises. At some point she'd find new preferences and travel to entirely different worlds. She had no idea what was in store for her when it came to reading. She knew which books she love best right now – but later on in the near future, who knew?

The only thing Ghost could remain certain over was the fact that nothing was certain anymore. As much as she thought she knew herself then, things in the present were entirely different. She was constantly learning new things, re-evaluating her assumptions and beliefs along the way as she continued in her efforts to move ever forward. She needed to make as much progress as she could, to make it as far forward as possible without looking back. This was an entirely new adventure, a new book with thousands of pages ahead – she was writing her own story as she went, enjoying a new cast of characters as they wove effortlessly into her life. But as amazing as it was, there was still that dark storyline – the shadowed past that every hero needed to reckon with. She tried hard to keep moving forward, but it was impossible not to look back. Thoughts and painful memories would intrude, and Ghost would be sent spiraling into a heavy fog of worry and despair. It was true: Ghost didn't know a great deal of what the future held. But she definitely knew at least one thing without a doubt, about her past: she didn't ever want to go back.

Which was why this was so difficult for her. The storm was scary, sure. And it certainly wasn't anything she'd ever experienced before. The noises were loud and frightening and she had some pretty heavy doubt about whether the roof would remain attached the to cottage or not, in spite of Dahmer's excellent craftsmanship. All of those factors were scary in their own way, for their own reasons. Zane's presence was a cooling balm to her blistering fears – but the darkness? She wasn't sure even her own personal sun would be able to pierce the blackness that would fight to engulf her should they take refuge underground. Just the thought of it sent her heart crashing through her chest, protesting with every beat. Then Zane drew closer and it began beating quickly for an entirely different reason. Her whimpers gradually fell silent as Zane crossed the room with quick, deliberate strides. He moved with a confidence that captured her attention immediately as she watched him cut the distance between the two. The female gazed at him in wonder, marveling at the kindness and compassion in his golden eyes. He didn't hesitate even slightly, his concern for her more important than any social protocols. In any other situations, Ghost would have made herself move away from him – afraid to offend her friend by her presence or any wrong move. But as soon as she felt his warmth and heard his soft noises of reassurance, the ghostly wolf gave in completely. She let herself relax against him, a shuddering sigh exploding from her lungs. She was still trembling, but it became easier to maintain the longer he stayed there with her. And then he spoke to her, soft words offered in an attempt to chase away her worries. They were kind and thoughtful and she appreciated them greatly – but nothing he spoke came even close to having the same impact than one syllable in particular: Jane. His name for her. It was like a magic word. As soon as he called her that, Ghost's eyes lost their fear and a tremulous smile pulled at her lips. She was astounded. In her entire life, she had never felt so comforted and safe. Jahre could have spent hours with her, professing her love for her daughter, taking back every single horrible thing she had ever done to Ghost and it wouldn't even come close to what she felt right now.

Ghost caught Zane's gaze for a moment, her eyes conveying the appreciation she had for her friend. It was the longest the female had ever managed to maintain eye contact with him – usually Ghost would look away after only a few seconds, too shy to look at Zane for long. But right now, she felt as though it was almost impossible for her to look away. She only tore her gaze away because he moved to softly nudge her nose. The storm appeared to appreciate the moment as well and the wind quieted, rain falling gently on the window panes. For just a small but seemingly infinite moment, the entire world felt as though it had narrowed to include only them. Just the two of them. She lay quite still, afraid to move lest she break the moment. She focused on the sure and steady sound of Zane's breathing. After a bit, her own breaths matched his. If only it could go on forever.

But that's the problem with the real world: it doesn't play along very often. Several peals of thunder broke the silence and did away with any calmness the female had mustered. And if that wasn't enough to do it, Zane's suggestion definitely finished the job. Was he crazy?! She had to be dreaming, it was the only option. In fact, she was probably all alone right now, huddled under her blanket and dreaming up this entire scenario. Zane moving close to her like that was a nice touch. But this?! In what world could that be considered a good idea? Insanity aside, how could Zane expect her to let the darkness get her again? A plaintive whimper ended her incredulous silence. Her shaking started up immediately, and the female jumped to her feet, panicked. She felt as though she was trapped and there was no escape. Ghost paced, her frantic motions causing her nails to scrabble against the floor. Pale blue eyes roved around the inside of the cabin, her gazing flickering from the windows to the floor, to the walls and the entrance to the cave, then back to the windows again. Every time she focused on the black hole, her entire body would flinch and a terrified yelp would emit from her tiny, skinny body. It was sad just how easily a memory could grab hold of her. The mere thought of going down there almost had her in convulsions. For all the progress Ghost believed she had made in these short months, she was still a frightened little puppy. It broke her.

It took her a few seconds to realize that Zane was speaking again. His deep voice filled the room, drowning out the angry storm and the noise from her own futile movement. She struggled focus on him and only him. He was speaking so earnestly, his words full of encouragement and confidence in her ability. She managed to tear her eyes from the window and quell any thoughts of escaping into the storm. Ghost hadn't looked at Zane since his suicidal (homicidal?) suggestion, but what she saw now was enough to instill a tiny amount of calm within her. He was watching her with such concern and compassion, it left her a little breathless. Who was she to deserve such attention? She was just some scrawny wolf with mommy issues. Why her? She wanted desperately to deserve his kindness. And in order to do that, she needed to trust him. And she did – she really did. It took her all the courage she had, but Ghost finally managed a small nod. She'd do it for him. With him. He needed to be safe, too. And the only place he'd be safe was down there, so that's where she needed to be. As long as he was by her side. It look a long time and even more cajoling, but finally the two of them made it underground.

As brave as the female was trying to be, Ghost was nearly in pieces. She tried desperately to hide it, but even in the dark, her shaking was obvious. With any luck, the storm would blow itself out soon. But in the meantime, she had the darkness to contend with and someone she loved to keep it at bay. And as much as she hated this situation to its core, a large part of her was happy to be able to help Zane keep safe. Proud, even. She just needed to stay brave long enough to wait the storm out. And Zane was here. He promised to keep her company, to keep her talking and distracted. She was counting on him for that, probably more than he'd ever know. Then again, this was Zane. He probably knew exactly how important he was to her. She hoped so, anyway. She remained seated, a little ways from her companion. She had made sure to situate herself with enough distance between them in order to hide her trembling as much as she could. Ghost never thought she'd ever be able to hate a particular space before. But the distance between the two was actually painful for her. If she wasn't so determined to convince him that she wasn't terrified, she would have eliminated the space between them instantly. As it was, she sat tight, missing his closeness. She remembered how it felt to have his form alongside hers and felt an odd sort of ache in her chest. It wasn't something she was used to. It bothered her. Can you talk to me, please? I don't want to think about this place. I don't want to remember. Can you give me something else to think about? Where are you from? Ghost liked the idea of learning all about Zane's life. She wanted to know every detail about him – nothing was too significant. What brought him here? Did he miss his old home? Was his mother nice? Did he know his father? What were his favourite foods? His favourite places to be? Did he smile like that at anyone else, or was it just for her? Okay, maybe she didn't want to know the answer to that one. She was afraid of disappointment. But really, he could talk about anything. Even dirt. As long as his warm and comforting voice filled the air, the darkness couldn't take her. Maybe she'd even be able to talk about her past, too. Zane just knew that she had a horrible childhood and that she feared the darkness more than anything. But he didn't know the specifics. She didn't speak about it. She was always afraid of dredging up those memories. But with Zane, maybe she could. Maybe it would be good for her. It was true – she never wanted to live in Jasper Valley or that cave again. She wanted nothing to do with the misery that represented her childhood and past. But talking about it was supposed to be good for you – and with Zane, maybe she could manage a verbal sort of visit. With Zane by her side, Ghost had a feeling she could do just about anything.

I’M SORRY THIS ISN’T EDITED BUT I REALLY HAVE TO PEE AND I WANT YOU TO HAVE THIS RIGHT AWAY!

If Zane had felt horrible over thinking the suggestion of getting Ghost to spend even one more second in the dreaded dark cave it was nothing compared to what he felt when the suggestion was out in the air. The moment his suggestions met her ears, Ghost’s improvements vanished, only to be replaced with a reaction that was ten times worse. He watched desperately as she paced her floors, her paws skittering desperately in her shaky movements, eyes jumping from place to place. Knowing that he was the one who had partially caused Ghost to revert back to her panicked state, he mentally squared his shoulders and knew it was up to him to try to calm her down enough and convince her that although his suggestion was the least popular, it was also the most logical.

She reminded him so much of Arya, that some days it just physically hurt; Arya had been frightened of the dark for a time, although nowhere near as badly as Ghost was. Whereas Arya’s fear was a common puppyhood fear, Ghost’s was more due to her past. Either way, Zane at least had an idea of how to keep her calm. Although ideally he would have preferred to have a book to read (Zane found himself briefly wondered if Ghost would enjoy being read to) because there was nothing better at distracting someone by allowing them to get sucked into a different world. Instead, Zane found himself promising the next best thing- company and constant conversation. As long as they kept talking, he assured Ghost that it would help keep her distracted from the storm that raged above them. It took some cajoling, but eventually he convinced Ghost to go down into the darkness with him to wait out the rest of the storm.

Just before he made his way down into the den, Zane looked over his shoulder and gave a reassuring smile to Ghost. It was mostly to reassure her, but also to double check that she was actually going to follow him down. Ideally, he would have liked to just lead her in a small distance, but he had to collect something before they could settle down for the wait. He felt guilty about going so far in, but he knew – more wished – that Ghost would forgive him as soon as she saw why he had done so. Although it wasn’t completely pitch black down there, their only source of light was from the quickly disappearing light from the sky; it wouldn’t last forever, and then Zane knew he’d really have his paws full of trying to keep Ghost calm. However, he remembered leaving an old oil lamp down here on a whim, and if he was lucky, it’d still be down here. It only took a moment in the fading light to find it and Zane found himself calling out a soft cheer before grasping the handle in his mouth and bringing it closer to where Ghost had settled in to wait out the rest of the storm. Placing it gently down on the ground, Zane slowly pawed at the dial until the small flame ignited, setting the room alight with a soft glow.

Once he was convinced that the oil lantern was placed in the best position, Zane settled himself down close by Ghost but far enough away that he wasn’t encroaching on her space. Golden eyes glanced over to where she lay, immediately noticing her shaking form which sent a stab of guilt to his heart, he stretched his back paw out so it rested right beside Ghost’s own paw. He would have preferred to comfort her like he had earlier, knowing that it had helped her before, but he didn’t want to push his luck; instead, he would be content with leaving his back paw where it was and hoped that Ghost would calm down on her own.He was about to open his mouth to begin talking to her when she beat him to the punch, asking him something that made the large wolf tense up and turn his gaze towards the flickering flame. He had succeeded in not having to talk about his past since deciding to stay in this new place, here with Ghost, but he knew that it was only fair that Ghost knew about his past. But was this the best time to tell her his sordid history, to tell her how desperately he had failed his younger sister? Mentally steeling himself for the conversation, he turned his gaze back on to his friend. Of course I’ll talk to you, I’ll always talk to you, Jane. He flashed her one of his (hopefully) calming smiles before continuing on. I’m from a small area west of here, about two weeks travel. There were just my parents, and my brother and sister, and overall it was a nice place to be, actually. There were plenty of streams to drink from, a lake nearby that was a good swimming spot and had plenty of fish to eat, nice trees to offer shade on the hot summer days. There was this one open space that only had a few trees that my sister and I would lay in, it was the best place to stargaze. She used to love the stars, and if I couldn’t find her, that’s the first place I’d go looking for her. I think she liked it because our mother first brought us there, and she felt the most connected with her there. He paused there, wondering how much he should tell Ghost, because his past was not an overall happy place. Anyways, my mother passed when we were little, my father was left to drown in his grief, which left us to fend for ourselves, mostly. My father, he did try, but I think a piece of him died when my mother did. And then Arya... Arya got into an accident that I-- that could have been prevented, that should have been prevented. So I decided I needed to leave, there was just too much grief there, that I felt if I stayed I’d just end up drowning in it, too.

As soon as Zane lit the lamp he had produced seemingly out of nowhere, Ghost wanted to hug her friend. How long had he been storing that in here? Knowing Zane, she was positive he probably brought it here the first time he visited the cave after finding it for her. The flickering light brightened the cave, and with it her outlook on the rest of the evening. She was still terrified but somehow it was easier to manage, knowing that Zane was there with her. She knew he wouldn't leave her – not like Jahre had. So maybe there were scary things going on around her, like the storm outside and the darkness down here. Then there were the memories that intruded on her thoughts, threatening to overcome her. But with Zane here to talk to, it was easier to keep everything at bay. They could talk about anything in the world – dirt, even. Just as long as she could focus on his voice, she knew she'd get through this.

He didn't move closer to her like she hoped, instead extending his leg until it brushed hers. There was minimal contact, but even that helped. She felt an urge to move closer though, and fought it back. If Zane wanted to sit closer to her, he would have. I'll always talk to you, Jane. She wasn't sure which part of that promise made her feel more amazing: the use of his nickname for her, or his reassurance that he'd always be there for her. Then he flashed her a smile that may have been intended to calm her, but succeeded only in kick-starting her heart. She was able to manage a meek, faltering one in return, still a little uncertain. She noticed the sudden reluctance in his eyes and became even more so. If she had offended him in some way, she'd never forgive herself. They were friends, sure. Maybe even good ones – but was it too presumptuous of her to ask about his past? After all, it was a little silly of her to assume that he'd want to talk about it. Not everyone had a happy go-lucky history. Wasn't hers the entire reason she needed Zane to hold her paw the entire time they were down here? The anxious female was about to apologize profusely and attempt to take the question back, when the wolf spoke up.

His words were hesitant and soft and she listened intently, leaning in closely without even seeming to realize it. As he spoke she closed her eyes, trying to picture the place he was describing in her mind. It wasn't a complete image, thanks to her inexperience with a few of the things he depicted. And when he mentioned his sister, a fierce sort of longing welled up within her. Ghost knew she had siblings of her own, but never met them. She wondered briefly just how nice that could be. Did her own brothers and sisters know about her existence? A part of her assumed that they didn't. Jahre wouldn't keep her hidden so far away and then tell others about her. She hoped that was the truth, anyway. The thought of other family members knowing about her existence but not seeking her out hurt in an entirely different way. The way Zane spoke about his sister made Ghost smile, but it slid off her face as she caught the wistful undercurrent beneath his words. If she was better at reading others, she would have realized how much further and more deep that emotion went. As it was though, she saw it only as fondness over his memories and the nostalgia they represented. He paused for a moment, and she leaned in even closer as though it would magically make him continue. But when he did, she immediately wished he hadn't.

Zane's story ended abruptly, his earlier recollections marring the happy picture he initially painted. The female's breathing hitched sharply as she pulled in a ragged breath. Her eyes flew open and she jerked in surprise. In the same movement, she fell slightly forward, her nose hitting his own before she pulled back with an embarrassed, apologetic look. A moment of shocked silence proceeded while the female scrambled frantically for something to say. She wanted to make things completely better for her friend, as though there was a set of words she could offer that would magically fix everything that went wrong in Zane's life. But even if there was, she knew she wouldn't ever be able to figure out which ones they were. She was as clueless as ever, grasping at straws. What did you say to someone who had lost so much? She knew what it was like not to have a father – but was it a loss if you never knew them in the first place? And as for Jahre – she was even less able to comment helpfully on that situation. Ghost was constantly pulled in different directions by multiple emotions concerning that wolf. Sometimes she found herself fiercely missing Jahre, wishing that she could see her again. And other times she hated her mother in a way that was exhausting and all-consuming. She didn't know what it was like to have a family who loved and cared for you unconditionally. And then to lose your mother so suddenly like that – how did someone go on after that? It hadn't ended there for Zane, either. How could it? Life was cruel and horrible in that way. It was never just one thing. It didn't seem to matter that a single tragedy was capable of ruining entire lives. There always had to be more. Especially when it was happening to someone like Zane; the kind of person who deserved it least. But happen it did: his father was the next casualty, followed closely by his beloved sister.

Grief was crippling and some were better equipped to survive it than others. Ghost marveled at the difference between Zane and his father. Some shut down completely, closing themselves off from others. And then there were wolves like Zane – they were able to continue on and see the good things in life. She was amazed at the strength her friend possessed. Another part of Ghost was mortified by the way Zane blamed himself, the way he held himself accountable for something she knew couldn't be his fault. Her heart throbbed painfully for him. The pale wolf had no idea how loss like that felt. Ghost had experienced her own sort of loss, but this was in an entirely different league. She wished she could be someone better for him, someone who would know what to say.

The female's gaze drew to his face, her eyes full of sadness and sympathy. Before she lost her courage, Ghost scooted forward and cut the distance between their bodies. I'm so sorry, Zane. She hesitated only for a second and leaned closer, brushing up against the side of his face. Surprising even herself, she gave him a quick and comforting lick before returning to her previous position. She fell silent again, but this time for a different reason. Moments before she hadn't known what to say. Now she knew exactly what she wanted to say, but was afraid to give the words a voice. She wanted to argue with him, to vehemently deny any culpability he held himself to. She wanted to tell him that Arya's death wasn't his fault, that he wasn't responsible. But she was afraid of upsetting him further, scared that it wasn't her place to make that kind of statement. She hated the idea of him suffering through his perceived guilt, but fought back against the urge to challenge his feelings.

Instead, she made the choice to change the subject, hoping to make her friend feel better, maybe even achieve a smile. I've never seen a fish before, you know. You don't find a lot of fish in caves. Do they taste good? Do you think we could find some sometime? I'd really like that. It was difficult to say which she'd like more – the prospect of finding something she'd never experienced before, or spending more time with the male before her. She had a feeling that the two of them could be doing anything, and she'd enjoy it. Well. Okay. Maybe anything – she loved his company and the way he was taking care of her right now, but Ghost sure as hell didn't want to make this a habit of any sort.

Ghost glanced over at the cave's opening and up into her cottage. It was completely dark up there now, the storm was outlasting the day. She hoped that Zane hadn't had any plans for his evening. As grateful as she was, she felt bad that he had to take time out of his day to babysit her. It had been risky for him to get here in the first place, and he had done it for her. Now the storm was even worse. He could be stuck here for a while. Selfishly, she felt a slight thrill at the idea of him staying with her for any extended amount of time. It was funny how one's perspective could be changed like that – part of Ghost was still cursing the storm for forcing her down here, while a small bit of her hoped that it would go on a little longer, increasing his stay. She didn't want him to leave. Ghost didn't have a whole lot of experience when it came to having friends, but she quickly learned that she hated saying goodbye. She remembered begging Jahre to please stay, just for another moment and the empty, desperate feeling that threatened to overcome her when her mother inevitably refused. Jahre always said no. She always left, never hesitating even slightly before leaving Ghost behind. Ghost's mother wasn't a fan of saying goodbye, either. She never bothered to say it to her daughter, anyway. The young pup would sit in the darkness and cry for hours after Jahre left, filled with such a hatred and angry love that was too big for her tiny body. She would curse and praise her only “companion” in the same breath, and wish that Jahre would never come back at the same time she counted down the moments until she returned. Ghost was always being left behind – and no matter how many times someone would promise they'd see her again, a part of her constantly feared being left alone forever. That was the problem with loving others. It gave them so much power and ability to hurt you. But if there was anyone in the entire world that she trusted to stay with her, to always talk to her and to never leave forever, it was Zane Tialys. That didn't mean the goodbyes didn't hurt, though. She'd always dread those. If Zane knew how much those parting words scared and hurt her, he would probably never utter them in her presence again.

It was the thought of saying goodbye that broke the dam she'd built to prevent her outburst. The idea of her friend never being able to see his mother or sister again. Had he been able to say goodbye to them? What was the last thing they had said to each other? Was it something meaningful, or something mundane and completely forgettable? Did Zane go over those conversations constantly in his mind, so he'd always remember their last time together? She didn't know a lot about faith or higher powers or whatever, but just for a moment Ghost found herself hoping to God or Whoever that their last moments were he could smile about. He deserved that at least. He deserved everything he could ever want. The young female was suddenly furious with the world, absolutely livid. She was shaking again, but not from fear. Zane deserved his mother and his sister, he deserved a father who was really there instead of drowning in grief. He deserved a life full of family and love, completely devoid of any guilt. Instead he had this. She couldn't bring anyone back for him, and she probably couldn't even offer the right words. But she had to try.

It wasn't your fault. Each word was spoken with careful deliberation and every syllable rang with earnest conviction. She leaned forward once again, her eyes imploring. These things...they happen. I'm not gonna to tell you that there's a reason they happen, because I don't know. I don't really believe that, 'cause I can't think of any acceptable reason that the universe would take your family away from you like that. It isn't fair. It isn't right. It isn't your fault. She reached out to place her paw on his shoulder, pushing herself forward until her face ran alongside his. She gently nosed just under his ears, her breath ragged from the agitation and need to make him believe. Ghost didn't know if what she was doing was horribly inappropriate and completely unwarranted. Maybe it wasn't even her place to say something like this, maybe he would tell her to shut up and never talk about his family again. She didn't know. She just knew that the thought of him blaming himself for another second was too painful to bear. It was such a heavy burden to carry. So she continued to whisper those four words, moving closer and closer, hoping to lighten the load.

HERE YOU GOOOOOOOOOOO! I’m not sure where you’d like to go from here though!

Zane had spent so long not talking about his past that even just the brief mention of it opened up the barely healed wounds. What hurt most out of everything he had gone through was the mention of Arya and how much he had failed her. Logically he knew that his sister’s death hadn’t been his fault but guilt was a funny thing and latched on and made you regret every kind of situation, especially those that you had no control over. He had always been vigilant and Merrick knew that he’d have to eventually let his guard down sometime. Zane knew that even if it hadn’t been then, Merrick would have found some other time to make Zane’s life more stressful; some way of causing him to make a mistake and the end result would have been the same. Zane should have taken Arya away from there before everything happened, away from Merrick, away from their father, but the question was would Merrick have left them be? It was always something that lingered in the back of his mind and it was one of the things that Zane felt incredibly guilty about.

He knew that Arya wouldn’t want him to blame himself for everything that had happened, especially for her death, but some days it was just so god damn hard not to. Spending his time with Ghost definitely helped and he found that he looked forward to spending time with her, practically seeing her every day or two; if he hadn’t made plans with Ghost for a visit, he often found himself just dropping in unannounced to just see how she was doing. In fact, that’s exactly what he had done tonight although he really was concerned about her with the impending storm and what had led them to this current predicament. He knew the storm was going to be nasty and he had made her come down into the dark, making her trust him and how did he repay her? By telling her his shortened sordid story and make her worry about him.

He nearly startled when Ghost placed a comforting paw on his shoulder but found himself relishing the comfort she was offering him; it brought him out of the weight of grief that was currently tugging at his insides and he was able to breathe just a little bit easier. However, he was even more surprised when she leaned in, her wet nose pressed gently under his ear and Zane found himself instinctively returning the position, burrowing his nose in her thick fur and inhaling her scent as he let her words float over him and sooth the stinging wounds he had reopened.Zane stayed in that position for what seemed like forever, his eyes glistening with a mixture of shed and unshed tears as he pulled away. As he pulled away he made sure to gently licked Ghost’s muzzle in thanks, giving a wet chortle as he finally looked his friend in the eyes. Some friend I am, I was supposed to be the one comforting you, not the other way around… but Jane, I really appreciate it. So.. thank you, really. He smiled fondly at her and then recalled words she had said earlier that hadn’t really registered before now. You’ve never had fish? Tell you what, once the weather improves we’ll go fishing and maybe make a picnic out of the trip. How does that sound? He wasn’t sure about her, but just the thought of spending a much more enjoyable outing with her made the depressive air seem all that much lighter and Zane found himself looking forward to it, even though Ghost hadn’t yet agreed to it.

After its long siege, the storm finally blew itself out as the horizon brightened and fingers of light began to touch the sky. As suddenly as they had appeared, the howling winds and torrential rains were gone. Dawn brought forth another morning and the birds ventured out, their songs celebrating the possibility of a beautiful day. The days leading up to the storm had been spent huddled and preparing, all the smaller animals and birds tucked themselves away wherever it was safe, their music silenced. Now that the danger had passed, their forest was waking up and it seemed as though every bird was trying to make itself heard. In comparison to the uneasy silence from days previous, the entire area was a hub of activity and noise. It was a youthful and invigorating sound – the type of wake up call any one would gladly accept in order to greet the end of a dangerous storm. Every one that was....except Ghost. She had been blissfully wrapped in a blanket of ignorance as she slept soundly, feeling the safest she'd felt in her entire life. Even when she had still trusted Jahre's words and actions implicitly she hadn't felt this secure, tucked deeply away in her cave. The lanky female lay deep in sleep, her head resting on Zane's outstretched leg, a smile pulling at her lips.

The lantern she had huddled so closely near lay abandoned on the other side of the cave, having burned out hours ago. At some point the light no longer became the most important thing to her – her attention and need was drawn elsewhere. The activity outside grew louder as the sun rose, a small beam of light creeping its way down the stairs and into their haven. Ghost was gently pulled from her deep slumber, floating peacefully on the surface of sleep and wakefulness. Her eyes squeezed shut more tightly as she struggled to fall back asleep, but there was no use. Still a little befuddled (and with her eyes forced resolutely shut), Ghost pushed herself closer into her resting place, enjoying the soft warmth that seemed to embrace her. Wait, what? Confusion sharpened her senses and any residual drowsiness disappeared instantly. A sharp prickle of fear made itself known in her chest and her heart plummeted. She knew for certain that Jahre had never given her anything more than a ratty blanket and leaves for her bed. Nothing that was ever this comfortable. And in her entire life, Ghost had only ever woken up in the company of another once: a nasty storm had forced Jahre to remain at the cave. It had been too nasty to seek shelter elsewhere, so the mother had resigned herself to the fate she forced upon her daughter. And at some point in the night, Ghost became badly frightened and had sought comfort in the warmth of her parent. Jahre separated herself as soon as she woke, leaving quickly after – but for ten or so minutes while her mother remained asleep, Ghost had hungrily reveled in her brief time of stolen comfort. It never happened again. From then on, Jahre was careful about her visits to Ghost's cave. If it looked nasty outside, she wouldn't come at all. For the rest of the nights of her life, Ghost slept alone, with fear by her side.

So what was going on? In her confused and slightly sleepy state, Ghost just couldn't figure it out. There was a storm last night, she knew that. And she had been forced to seek safer shelter deep in a dark place she was terrified of. That wasn't confusing at all – this part made sense. It was everything else. The only explanation she could come up with was that she was back in her cave in Jasper Valley; and Jahre had been forced to spend the night again. It was the only possible explanation she was prepared to accept. The idea of spending the night with someone she loved, waking up in Zane's safe embrace – it just wasn't something that would happen to her. The female's mind immediately sought out the worst possible explanation. Everything that had happened in the past few months was all a wonderful, heartbreaking dream. Her brave and daring escape, finding the wonderful forest and meeting the kind and understanding Dahmer. And most of all: the greatest part of any fantasy – running into Zane and being embraced by his compassion and kindness. Laughing at his stories and letting him take the lead when it came to showing her something new she'd never experienced before. The way he took her ineptitude at various things in stride, taking time to explain everything thoroughly, never making her feel stupid. The way her heart felt so full when she was in his company, how loudly it pounded whenever he looked at her. But was it all a dream? Surely there was no way her imagination could come up with something like that, could it? She'd dreamed about a lot of different things as she lay in the darkness, but never something quite like this. She had imagined friends and family, others to talk to and play with. But the thought of love never even entered her mind – it wasn't something she had experience with! How could she make it up when she didn't even know what it was? So what was the answer? Had it all happened for real – and then...maybe Jahre tracked her down and forced her to come back?!

Mere minutes had passed since she woke. Ghost let fear take over completely and had refused to open her eyes, afraid of what she'd see when she finally did. The thought of waking up in that awful place again was just too difficult to bear. But where was denial going to get her? If she really was back in Jasper Valley, then she needed to accept the situation quickly. She could start coming up with a plan to get away from Jahre and then find her way back to Dahmer and Sherlock. Zane. It took a surprising amount of courage, but after a few moments of steeling herself, Ghost finally forced her eyes open. What she saw caused the young wolf to feel a great deal of different emotions, all within the span of a few seconds. She stifled a gasp as surprise filled her, barely managing to force herself to remain still. Her initial instinct was to yank herself up and away from where she lay – but the feelings that quickly overtook her prevented any movement. She definitely felt foolish – the fear that had so paralyzed her moments before was definitely unwarranted. Of course she hadn't been kidnapped. She wasn't hundreds of miles away, trapped and buried in a cave. Dahmer and his imposing Sherlock weren't lost to her forever. And Zane...well, Zane was right here. Really close. Ghost's breathing quickened as she comprehended the reason for her comfort – the two of them were both down here, as close as they could possibly be. Her head was cradled in the crook of his front leg, Ghost's upper half tucked comfortably against Zane's chest while his head rested along her neck. As she continued to take in the situation, embarrassment quickly overtook the foolish feeling. Her thoughts appeared to slow completely, becoming sluggish as she tried desperately to both remember and deny the night before. As realization fully kicked in, Ghost began to softly shake as the implications became clear.

At the same time she felt both elated and horribly devastated. She turned to gaze at Zane's face as he slept peacefully on. Ghost felt greatly conflicted – a large part of her wanted to push herself even closer against him, to try reclaim that wonderfully safe and blissful feeling she had felt before. The smaller part was telling her to get away as quickly and quietly as she could – that it wasn't right to find happiness in something like this. How was it any better than what she had done with Jahre? She had taken advantage of a situation in order to find any amount of comfort. Zane had been so kind to her – he had gone out of his way to address her safety, risking his own in the process. And this was how she thanked him. She let her own feelings of love and admiration override her rationale – and forced them to take a step she wasn't sure he even wanted in the first place. And how would she know, anyway? From the very beginning, Zane had worked to put Ghost's feelings first. He had coaxed her sordid story from her almost right away – understanding her fears and confusion in order to help her cope with her new life. And all she knew was that he had a difficult past he found hard to talk about. She never tried to help him work it out, never made an attempt to make it better for him. And then last night. Shame settled heavily into her frame and Ghost wanted very much to cry. Instead she set about the task of removing herself silently and without waking him. It took several moments (she wasn't sure whether it was because of her reluctance to leave him, or her fear of disturbing him), but finally the female was able to pull away and silently scuttle to the other side of the cave. Zane rolled over on to his side and sighed deeply, but didn't appear to wake. Ghost couldn't help herself – she moved to cut the distance between the two of them in half, finding it impossible to be so far away from him. This realization made the wolf hang her head in despair and remorse. What had she done? He was the first one to offer her friendship and compassion – and this was how she rewarded him. By making her own feelings and desires more important than his.

The tears she desperately fought back finally won, brightening her eyes and pooling over her and onto cheeks. She took a deep, shuddering breath and fled upstairs. Moving away from him quickly became too difficult, and Ghost gave up just as she passed through the top of the cave's entrance and into the cottage. Immediately she began pacing, her mind racing as she tried to figure out how to fix this. A part of her was flying – a giant part of Ghost urged her to return downstairs in order to be with Zane, to find some way to keep this fairy tale going. For her entire life, Ghost had hated nights with every part of her being. She dreaded the time when the sun left the sky, hated it when darkness completely took over what little light she had. It didn't matter that it was only temporary, that the dawn always came no matter how long the night felt. Even now, in her new life: like clockwork, every evening a feeling of dread would settle in her chest and Ghost would begin to shake. She'd try to keep herself busy, she'd make it so her home was bright and filled with warmth and light – but still the blackness outside terrified her. Until now – for the first time in Ghost's memory, she had initially woken up not with relief, but a deep happiness. Being with Zane: having him keep her company, making sure that she was safe, and sure the things that came later as well, but most of all it was his presence. He had made the night not something for her to endure, but something for her to enjoy. The intimacy was something she cherished and wished they could share – but Ghost knew that she couldn't ruin their friendship like that. She wouldn't let it happen. What Zane wanted was most important – and she knew that he'd go along with anything she asked of him. It was the way he was. So she resolved not to force him into it – they'd go back to being just friends. Ghost wouldn't force her closeness on him anymore and she wouldn't lean so heavily on him, either. They'd be equals.

The decision hurt a lot more than she expected, but Ghost was determined. Never again was she going to put Zane in a compromising position just because of her own feelings. He didn't deserve that. The female moved to the window she had hid from the night before. Outside morning was in full swing, sunlight streaming through the branches and budding leaves. She wasn't entirely sure how they were going to get through this morning – she knew it was going to be difficult to see him again and pretend as though what happened changed nothing. She definitely owed him an apology, and maybe it would be easier to stumble through if they had something else to keep them busy. Breakfast. She could go and find something for the two of them to share, and it would symbolize their equality. She'd be able to do something for him, something she'd caught all by herself. Then they'd talk....and move on from there. Her greatest gift would be keeping silent, never telling him how important last night was for her. It would be the hardest thing she'd ever do....and that included returning back to her old cave. But for Zane, she'd keep her mouth shut. Besides, she thought wryly to herself as she slipped outside, I can ask Dahmer for pointers. He's an expert, after all. It was a bleak and depressing thought, but the thought of Zane's friendship and happiness strengthened her resolve.

He wasn't sure when it had happened, but somewhere in between the raging storm outside, to his brief breakdown, Zane had grown either comfortable enough or exhausted enough to fall asleep in Jane's den. Even though he hadn't told Jane everything about his past, he had still felt mentally exhausted. He spent so much time not talking about it that purposely dragging the topic was draining. He supposed that it had been a mixture between exhaustion and comfort- he truly enjoyed spending time with Jane. There was something about being in her presence that made him feel complete, like he had found the missing puzzle piece to his life.

It was still dark out when Zane woke up during the night, the light having yet to make an appearance down below in the den but it was blessedly quiet, the storm having finally moved on and left calm in its wake. The lamp itself had gone out and the two wolves had moved slightly closer to one another. Jane was fast asleep on her side, her head resting near his front left paw, her nose just barely touching it. Even though it was just the barest of touches, a tired smile graced his lips and his chest filled with a comfortable warmth. He wasn't completely sure if Jane meant to sleep so close to him or what her reaction would be, except a small part of him believed that she would be horrified and just too polite to say something. Afraid that his small doubts were right, Zane had guiltily closed his eyes and fallen back into a peaceful sleep, willing to blame his unconscious movements for invading her personal space if she happened to wake up.

The next time the tri-coloured male woke up, morning had arrived and the sunlight was warming up his back legs. Keeping his eyes closed, Zane reveled in the fact that he had slept through the night without waking up in a cold sweat, his mind having finally given him a reprieve of the weekly nightmares he seemed to be plagued with. He had assumed that after talking about his sister, those thoughts would be fresh in his mind and his subconscious would remind him of that fact in great detail; however, while he couldn’t remember his dreams, he knew they hadn’t been terrifying. That was the way dreams typically went, wasn’t it? Nightmares stayed with you whereas the good ones, the ones you wanted to remember, escaped your mind the moment you woke up, the feeling that your dream was pleasant the only thing that remained.

He slowly began to become more conscious to the area around him and he realized that not only did he seem cold, like someone had taken their body heat away; there also wasn’t the sound of another wolf in the den with him. Golden eyes snapped open at this realization and he took in the empty scene before him, Ghost nowhere to be seen. Zane picked himself up, stretching as he continued to look around, hoping that she was hanging out in one of the corners, no matter how unlikely that seemed. A sense of dread was beginning to form deep in his stomach and without another glance to the empty den, Zane made for the stairs, softly calling Jane’s names as his head emerged above the ground. There was plenty of water on the floor, mingled with a bit of debris but it would appear the cottage had held its own against the storm that had raged earlier. That was a good sign to see, meaning there was going to be less cleanup to do, however there was still no sign of a certain white wolf. A soft whine escaped his mouth as he saw that Ghost was nowhere in the cottage. It would appear that having spent the night with him had been too much for her, the thought leaving his heart somewhere in his stomach. He knew it wasn’t fair of him to feel disappointed like he did, because one couldn’t help how they felt and while Ghost had come a long way from the skittish wolf he had first met, she may not have felt the same as he had waking up. She had probably left to avoid an awkward morning and to save his feelings from having a straight rejection. As much as it pained him, Zane knew that he’d have to pretend that this morning had never happened because he would much rather keep their friendship than to lose it.

With a heavy heart, Zane nosed the door open and left the cottage at a slow pace, part of him hoping to be stopped by Ghost’s familiar voice calling his name that never came.